Group: Nigerian Enemies Are Responsible For Opposition To Tompolo’s Surveillance Contract

The Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC) has referred to those putting pressure on Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to revoke the contract for oil pipeline surveillance that Tantita Security Services Limited was given as enemies of the country.

Alaowei E. Cleric, Esq., the chairman of CHURAC’s board of trustees, stated in a statement released on Tuesday that the call by some elements to have the contract terminated was a great disservice to the country. 

The head of CHURAC expressed concern over the fact that some people continue to criticise High Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo even as members of the private security firm risk their lives to protect the country’s financial assets.

“Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Limited’s traducers are the real enemies to Nigeria. Who knows, maybe they’ve been sponsored by the criminal syndicates milking our economy dry just to continue their grip on the black gold. 

“No sane Nigerian who wants to see an improved oil economy will criticise Tompolo and NNPC Limited for taking this laudable initiative,”  the group said.

Cleric claimed that the oil cartels have already recruited some ardent criminals to attack Tantita Security Services Limited patrol teams, saying, “We’re surprised that their lackeys do sit at the comfort of their offices to spew garbage against the man who put his life on the line to save the Nigerian dwindling Petrodollars.”

According to the statement, “We take strong exception to the Academy of International Affairs led by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi who claimed that it was failed governance that made NNPC Limited to award oil pipeline surveillance contracts to a private firm. 

“Prof. Akinyemi and his group are just ignorant of reality. Nigeria is not the only Country in the world that engages private security firms to secure oil pipelines. Countries like Cambodia and Mexico are doing it and it has been successful there.

“It’s not necessarily because the security agencies have failed in their hallowed responsibility of securing lives and property. The job Tantita Security Services Limited is doing is only to complement the efforts of the security agencies. Nigerians and indeed, the world are witnessing the collaborative efforts of Tompolo and the security agencies in protecting the national assets.

“This is not the first time the Federal Government of Nigeria has engaged a private firm to secure oil pipelines. During Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan’s administrations, coastal guard security networks were floated at various times to secure the pipelines. In fact, it was even the General Alexandra Ogomudia-led Presidential Committee that first recommended private security to guard the pipelines in 2002.

“President Buhari has not done anything new, different from what previous governments have done. Nigerians should instead applaud Mr. President for making such commendable gestures. Nigeria is indebted to Tompolo for taking on this onerous task to survive our dying economy. The man deserves a national honour in recognition of his sacrifices for the nation”.